Thank you to everyone who joined us for the August Policy Forum this past Wednesday, August 30th. This month’s forum featured an update on co-sponsors and meetings with legislators, information on the upcoming Hill Day during National FASD United Impact Week, and information on how the FASD Respect Act language has been included in the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2023 introduced by Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA).
Pathway to Law
The FASD Respect Act was referred to the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health and the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee in June, and was reviewed by those committees in July. To date, HR 3946 has the support of 17 Representatives and 5 Senators.
SUPPORT Act
On July 20th, Sen. Bill Cassidy, M.D., Ranking Member of the Senate HELP Committee included The FASD Respect Act Language in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2023 (S. 2433). This essentially makes the SUPPORT Act a vehicle for the FASD Respect Act, as the entirety of the bill’s language is included in Section 210. The official bill text for the SUPPORT Act can be seen here.
The SUPPORT Act’s companion bill in the House has already gone through committee, but the FASD Respect Act language can still be included through amendments. An amendment could come from the House Committee on Energy and Commerce-Health Subcommittee or the House Committee on Rules.
The current authorization for the SUPPORT Act ends on September 30, 2023. This means there is a chance that the language in the FASD Respect Act could be made law at the end of this month. Now, more than ever, outreach to members of Congress who sit on the Senate HELP Committee or House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health is crucial. If you want to join us for Hill Day on September 21st during FASD Impact Week, click here to learn more!
Asked and Answered
Will there be Leave Behind packets for folks participating in Hill Day?
Yes! We will provide material to leave behind with legislators and their staff on Hill Day. This will be included in the Hill Day folder, which will also have a schedule, map, directions to your meetings, and contact information of other advocates who will in the area so you can coordinate travel to and from your meeting.
What are the committees that HR. 3946/S.1800 could possibly receive ammendments from?
House Committee on Energy and Commerce- Health Subcommittee, the House Committee on Rules, and the Senate HELP Committee.
What committee will we be briefing on Hill Day?
We will hold a briefing with the House Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery Caucus. Time TBA.
Does FASD United provide transportation to Hill Day meetings?
We do not, but we can help you order an Uber/Lyft or assist in coordinating shared rides.
Can I participate remotely/virtually in Hill Day if I will not be present in Washington, DC?
We will try to assist in setting up virtual meetings for that day for those who cannot attend, but the focus is on assisting those who will be present with in person meetings. As always, we are happy to assist in setting up and attending virtual meetings at all other times!
Is Senator Cassidy not cosponsoring the FASD Respect Act since he added into the Support Act?
Legislators who sponsor omnibus bills like the SUPPORT Act generally do not co-sponsor the individual bills within the omnibus package.
Are we skipping policy meeting next month for Advocacy Week?
NO! We will have the virtual policy forum on September 27th, and we hope to see you there!
Policy Forum Recording
House Meetings/Sponsors
Senate Meetings/Sponsors
